"Opel Monterey", produced in the 90s, is a classic frame SUV, which was supplied to the European market. There were versions with a three- and five-door body, but each of them was equipped with an all-wheel drive transmission with a lower gear. However, the Opel Monterey SUV has many interesting technical features, so I would like to give them a little more attention.
Briefly about the model
Inventing the "Opel Monterey", the developers did not come up with anything new. The basis was the Isuzu Trooper model , time-tested. And although the German off-road novelty received a purely American name given to it in honor of the peninsula in the state of California, the car itself retained its "purebred" Japanese origin. It is indicated by a box-shaped frame with five crossbars, preserved from its predecessor, a transmission and powerful pillows that disconnect the body from the frame.
Almost nothing has changed in the design either. Attention in the external appearance is attracted by a neat radiator grille, on which is not an emblem, but the inscription “Opel”, rectangular compact headlights that successfully fit into the lower part of the “fog” bumper and a powerful air intake on the hood. The SUV itself looks large and “muscular”, despite the fact that its length is 4,795 mm (standard for crossovers).
Salon
Inside the SUV "Opel Monterey" a lot of space. And this is one of its main advantages. The second positive nuance is the high ergonomics of the driver's seat. Everything is thought out, each control lever is where it belongs. Anyway, the cabin is very comfortable. The rear door deserves special attention. The developers made it lean back sideways, since this solution is more practical.
One can not help but talk about the trunk. Its standard volume is 1,190 liters. But if you fold the back row of seats, then it will turn out to increase to 2,745 liters.
By the way, "Opel Monterey" was offered to potential buyers in three trim levels. In addition to the base, it was also offered a “sports” RS, and a luxury LTD. The latter was distinguished by the presence of power windows, heated seats, ABS and an adjustable steering column.
First generation
Now you can talk in more detail about what engines were equipped with the first versions of the Opel Monterey SUV. Diesel, as you know, at all times appreciated for its efficiency. Therefore, the most popular were models with units consuming precisely this fuel.
Initially, there was only one diesel engine. It was a 3-liter turbocharged unit, producing 114 “horses”. It was offered with both a 5-speed “mechanics” and a 4-speed “automatic”. The maximum speed of cars with this unit under the hood was 150 km / h. And acceleration to "hundreds" took 16.6 seconds. The consumption was economical, the engine consumed only 11.3 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers in the combined cycle.
The gasoline models of the Opel Monterey were also popular. The 3.2-liter 177-horsepower V6 engine was also offered with both 5MKPP and 4AKPP. Versions with this engine could accelerate to "hundreds" in 11.5 seconds, and their speed limit was 170 km / h. But the fuel, of course, took more. About 14.4 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers in the combined cycle, to be precise.
Restyling
In 1996, the Opel Monterey SUV, the photo of which is presented above, was transformed. The developers decided to expand the list of standard equipment and add a 3-liter turbodiesel unit. They also began installing two full-size airbags and a climate control system.
Serious changes have affected the transmission. The automatic overrunning clutches were replaced by a vacuum all-wheel drive system, which was carried out by closing and opening the front axle shaft. Thanks to this innovation, motorists have the opportunity to connect all-wheel drive on the go.
But the appearance of restyling is almost not affected. Only the front part acquired a more smooth, rounded shape. And in the interior, the changes affected the front panel. She became just huge. And many perceived this design decision as a reference to the American style.
Recent years of release
From 1998 to 2000, second-generation SUV models were released. And, of course, they were equipped with more powerful motors.
The turbocharged Opel Monterey diesel engine produced 159 horsepower with a volume of 3 liters. He walked in tandem with a 5-speed "mechanics". With such an engine under the hood, the car accelerated to 100 km / h in 15.8 seconds. And the maximum speed could be 160 km / h. For 100 “urban” kilometers the engine needed 14 liters of diesel fuel, and if the movement was carried out along the highway, then the consumption was reduced to 9 liters.
Under the hood of other modifications, a 3.5-liter 215-horsepower V6 gasoline unit with distributive fuel injection was installed. This motor was also offered with a 5-speed "mechanics". Off-road vehicles equipped with this unit could accelerate to 100 km / h in just 11.8 seconds. And their maximum reached 180 km / h. But the expense was rather big. For 100 “urban” kilometers, about 18.7 liters of gasoline were consumed. When driving on the highway, it decreased to 10.7 liters.
What do the owners say?
In the end, it is worth paying attention to the feedback that people who own this car leave about the Opel Monterey car.
First of all, attention is paid to its off-road qualities. And an excellent suspension. On the highway, this car is like a glove, even if you go at a speed of 140 km / h. No wiggle is observed. By the way, the dynamics of the car are smooth and powerful, despite the “age” of the model.
The crossover is suitable for heavy off-road. Since the suspension is practically not killed, and the corrosion resistance is high. The machine is repairable, consumables are inexpensive, many sensors are suitable from the "Lada". And an unpretentious and powerful engine with impressive torque does not break at all.
So if we conclude, we can confidently say that this is a solid and economical crossover that will definitely appeal to lovers of dynamic driving and off-road.